we're going to make the morale buildings more powerful but the techs to get them MUCH more expensive

I think this is a better way to make morale buildings more useful while at the same time making the 79% tax with 100% approval more difficult. We may even be able to get a 100B pop on a planet. It'll take pain and a lot of effort, but that's as it should be.

Sick of patches updating the game in response to user (OUR) feedback?

Ya, I am definitely sick of Stardock having the nerve of updating the game in response to the wants and needs of its userbase.

Am I really the only one in here that is getting sick of this?

I doubt any of us are "they only one" of anything--we've got 6 billion+ other humans around, and many thousands of them are apparently playing this game .

But I'm your "opposition" re the wealth of updates. Software is not static, and I for one am delighted to see a game that is built by a devoted crew who want to continue improving it continuously, especially when said crew are so clearly interested in their audience's responses.

Just the fact that Stardock countinue to update their game is a good thing. It means they haven't given up on pleasing the players of the game. Its not like they are getting anything out of improving the game for us... They've already got my $70 Aus.

Personally I think it's admirable and a refreshing change for a game producer to look after its customers so well. Stardock made a no-fuss CD and serial key system that doesn't make me fumble for the case every time I get an itch to play AND they constantly update the game without making me pay a cent extra. More than can be said for most other companies.

I don't know about everyone else but I heard about the way Stardock treats its customers and it was a major factor in my decesion to purchase the game. I'm going to purchase the expansion pack as well, safe with the knowledge that Stardock's going to look after me.

Just my two BC.
~ Michael

Stormbringer, no-one is forcing you to download anything. You really can't complain about an optional bugfix.

I usually don't call other people's opinions stupid but I'll make an exception for you. That's one of the most stupid opinions (concerning computer games) I've ever read.

Well at the risk of inciting a flame war, I don't think my opinion is stupid. Not everyone has internet access readily available, and that is the main issue. Just because you do don't assume everyone does. Furthermore, I never said that Stardock sucked when it came to customer support and they don't. But I have never seen a game that needed so many updates and patches, ever. True, I haven't played everything out there under the sun but I think I have enough mainstream and popular titles that have not required such attention as GC2 does. As far as infinite patches and bug fixes, I may not be a programmer but I would think after a half dozen "bug fixes" the issues would be resolved, not create new ones (which is going to be your only logical response). What, everytime they fix one thing it causes problems with something else?

Evil Stormbringer,

Originally, we were going to make it so that Dark Avatar was an update to GC2, and 1.3 was going to be the last patch to GC2 because we wouldn't have been able to make any further updates.

However, in response to the feedback from the community, we are now making it so that you will still be able to play GC2 minus Dark Avatar even after you install it and buy it.  This means that we will be able to update both GC2 and Dark Avatar independantly.  Mind you, it's a little more work for us than if we were just updating Dark Avatar, but this way we have the option to release more updates for GC2. 

So, go get yourself a caffeinated beverage (because frankly, it sounds like you need one) and think about what you just said. 

More free updates from Stardock? I think that calls for a "yay!" (w00t is so overused)

Actually...

I'll come right out and say that Stormbringer's opinion is pretty stupid.

Well at the risk of inciting a flame war, I don't think my opinion is stupid. Not everyone has internet access readily available, and that is the main issue. Just because you do don't assume everyone does. Furthermore, I never said that Stardock sucked when it came to customer support and they don't. But I have never seen a game that needed so many updates and patches, ever. True, I haven't played everything out there under the sun but I think I have enough mainstream and popular titles that have not required such attention as GC2 does. As far as infinite patches and bug fixes, I may not be a programmer but I would think after a half dozen "bug fixes" the issues would be resolved, not create new ones (which is going to be your only logical response). What, everytime they fix one thing it causes problems with something else?

Nope, internet connectivity isn't the main issue. You are basically saying that since you have problems downloading patches, Stardock should quit improving their game. That's the main issue and I do like my patches.
And you obviously know nothing about programming. Stardock isn't only fixing bugs, they also introdce new stuff into the game and introducing new stuff always means that new bugs are created. Of course, if Stardock would only fix old bugs, they would all be gone after a while but do you realise how much new content there has been in all the previous patches? It isn't a surprise that new bugs are created.

Actually... I'll come right out and say that Stormbringer's opinion is pretty stupid.

Evil S can indeed be strident at times (who of us can't), but if you beat him about the head and shoulders enough it turns out he can be a decent bloke.

More free updates from Stardock? I think that calls for a "yay!" (w00t is so overused)

I'll come right out and say that Stormbringer's opinion is pretty stupid.

Free updates isn't the issue, it's the disadvantage it gives to those who have no internet access. You miss the point, I think. What good do the updates do to those who don't have access? Do you consider this? What about someone who bought the game, had infinite problems, and with no internet access would therefore have no idea what is going on. What, contact customer service? For what? You are discriminating against a certain bracket here with regards to the updates issues. Some of them are needed to make things run correctly, or am I wrong on that one? Not every patch/update is just to add new features, is it? So what do you say to Joe Schmoe who bought the game at a store, never goes online, and wonders what is wrong with his game not running? That is my point. And as far as you guys who want to start pissing on me with the stupid opinions shit, if you want to start, then let's go. If you can't answer something in kind, with your own opinion, and not add insults then keep it up, because you know I can sling them with the best of you in here. That is why I said no flaming, but I guess the single digit IQ's around here are only good for one thing, and that's never letting me down with regards to your stupidity.

Free updates isn't the issue, it's the disadvantage it gives to those who have no internet access. You miss the point, I think. What good do the updates do to those who don't have access? Do you consider this? What about someone who bought the game, had infinite problems, and with no internet access would therefore have no idea what is going on. What, contact customer service? For what? You are discriminating against a certain bracket here with regards to the updates issues. Some of them are needed to make things run correctly, or am I wrong on that one? Not every patch/update is just to add new features, is it? So what do you say to Joe Schmoe who bought the game at a store, never goes online, and wonders what is wrong with his game not running? That is my point. And as far as you guys who want to start pissing on me with the stupid opinions shit, if you want to start, then let's go. If you can't answer something in kind, with your own opinion, and not add insults then keep it up, because you know I can sling them with the best of you in here. That is why I said no flaming, but I guess the single digit IQ's around here are only good for one thing, and that's never letting me down with regards to your stupidity.

Wouldn't the smart user with no internet connection use a friends internet connection to download the patch, burn to a CD and then apply to his or her home computer?

Thats what i'd do... *Scratches head*.

~ Michael